UEFA Champions League Match Paused Amid Racial Abuse Allegation Involving Vinicius Jr
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage between Benfica and Real Madrid was temporarily halted following a disturbing incident where Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior reported alleged racial abuse from a Benfica player. The match, held at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 17, 2026, saw a stoppage of nearly seven minutes as referee Francois Letexier activated UEFA's official anti-racism protocol in response to a formal complaint.
Key Details of the Incident and Match Outcome
Vinicius Junior scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute, securing a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid with a brilliant strike from the left side of the box. However, his celebration near the home side's corner flag led to a booking by the referee, as it appeared to provoke the Benfica fans. Shortly after, Vinicius Jr approached referee Francois Letexier to report the alleged racial abuse, reportedly pointing toward Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni as the source of the slur.
The situation escalated when Vinicius Jr walked toward the touchline, prompting Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho to intervene in an effort to calm the player. UEFA's anti-racism protocol was formally activated, leading to the match being paused. Play eventually resumed, but the controversy overshadowed the encounter, with Real Madrid holding onto their 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg of the tie.
UEFA's Anti-Racism Protocol and Historical Context
According to reports from BBC Sport, UEFA introduced a three-step framework in 2009 to tackle discrimination inside stadiums. The first step requires the referee to stop the match and request a stadium announcement urging supporters to cease offensive behavior. If the misconduct continues, both teams are taken off the pitch for five to ten minutes while a second warning is issued. The final step allows authorities to abandon the match entirely, followed by a security review and potential disciplinary action.
This incident is not the first time Vinicius Jr has faced racial abuse; a previous case occurred during Real Madrid's clash with Valencia in La Liga last season, as reported by The Guardian. The recurrence highlights ongoing challenges in combating racism in football, despite efforts to enforce zero-tolerance policies.
Fan Reactions and Broader Implications
Fans expressed widespread support for Vinicius Jr on social media, condemning the alleged abuse and calling for stricter penalties. One user, @SamAduloju, commented, "Benfica is a disappointment to the football world. I know Jose feels embarrassed already." Another, @Pros4luv, added, "This incident highlights yet another shameful episode of alleged racism in football... Zero tolerance in racism still feels far from reality."
The incident also draws parallels to other cases of racism in sports, such as when Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey was racially abused on social media after a game for Fulham, as previously reported by Legit.ng. These events underscore the need for continuous efforts to address discrimination across all levels of football.
As the investigation proceeds, UEFA is expected to review the matter and potentially impose disciplinary measures. The focus remains on ensuring player safety and upholding the integrity of the sport, with many advocating for stronger actions to eradicate racism from football globally.
